Under the old system, every proceeding was adversarial, and it was an open secret that the parties often perjured themselves to obtain a divorce decree. In the words of California Supreme Court Justice Stanley Mosk, writing in dissent two years after the state adopted the no-fault approach, the process was “a melancholy charade.”
The acceptance of “irreconcilable differences” as sufficient grounds to end a marriage was a significant step forward. Still, contrary to some expectations, it did not necessarily make the process easy, either emotionally or legally.
You will benefit from working with an experienced attorney to address the continuing complexities of California divorces. At Madigan & Lewis, LLP, we work closely with you to develop a strategic and solution-oriented approach to your dissolution of marriage proceedings. Learn more about how we can help you end your marriage and resolve common marital dissolution disputes by calling 650-482-8480 or reaching out online.
Understanding California Divorce Options
In California, divorce proceedings begin with the filing and service of a “Petition for Dissolution” of the marriage. The marriage is then ended by way of agreement or by trial of the parties. The vast majority of cases settle. There are several ways to conclude a divorce case, including:
- Litigation (private or public court): Entering a hearing or trial in which a public or private judge hears both parties’ cases and issues a ruling on matters such as asset division, spousal support, and child custody.
- Attorney-assisted negotiation and settlement: Working with your attorney and spouse to achieve a settlement during the litigation process.
- Mediation: Meeting with your spouse, attorney, and a neutral third-party mediator to negotiate the solutions to concerns involved in dissolving your marriage.
- Collaborative divorce: A private and respectful out-of-court process for resolving a divorce with a team of qualified professionals. The goal is a win-win situation for both participants. Decisions are made by the clients without going to court with the support of a collaboratively-trained professional team.
The experienced family law attorneys at Madigan & Lewis, LLP, will be able to help you decide which process is best suited for your case. Often a case will involve settlement, mediation, and/or litigation at different points in the case.
Guiding Clients Through Equitable Divorces
Our practice is entirely devoted to family law. Our experience tells us family law has grown more sophisticated over the years, with an increasing need for expertise in both alternative dispute resolution and negotiation skills, courtroom skills, and legal knowledge. Our attorneys have decades of experience in all areas of family law and are continuously educating themselves, allowing them to guide clients through the increasingly complex requirements of various marital dissolution and family law concerns.
Navigate Divorce With Strategic Legal Counsel From Madigan & Lewis, LLP
Madigan & Lewis, LLP is committed to providing strategic, responsive, and solution-oriented advocacy for all our clients. To learn more about how we prioritize our clients and help them achieve their goals in marital dissolutions, call 650-482-8480 or send us a message.
